What is the Dodge equivalent to a Ford Explorer?
The Dodge Durango is the closest Dodge counterpart to Ford's Explorer—a three-row, midsize SUV designed for family hauling with multiple powertrains and all-wheel-drive options.
What is the Dodge Durango?
The Durango is Dodge’s three-row, midsize SUV that has occupied the brand’s lineup for years. It’s designed to compete in the same family-hauler segment as the Ford Explorer, offering seating for up to seven and a range of engines to balance everyday practicality with performance potential.
Size and seating
The Durango provides flexible seating configurations to accommodate families or cargo, with a third row that can be folded to expand cargo space. This places it in the same general category as the Explorer for interior space and versatility, though exact measurements vary by model year and trim.
Powertrains and performance
Durango models have offered a mix of V6 and V8 options, with rear- or all-wheel drive available. The base setup typically centers on a V6 for efficiency and daily driving confidence, while V8 options deliver stronger acceleration and towing capability. In the past, Dodge has also offered high-performance variants with more powerful engines for enthusiasts.
Durango vs. Explorer: key differences
To help readers compare the two vehicles, here are the main distinctions buyers consider when weighing a Dodge Durango against a Ford Explorer.
- Engine choices and performance stance: Durango emphasizes a range from capable daily driving to high-performance variants, while Explorer typically prioritizes efficiency and practicality with its own engine lineup.
- Interior space and seating flexibility: Both offer three-row seating, but the layout and cargo configurations differ, influencing how much usable cargo space is available with various seat setups.
- Infotainment and driver-assistance features: Each brand packages its own tech suite, with standard features and available upgrades that reflect brand priorities and model year refreshes.
- Pricing and value proposition: Base models price differently across model years and regions, with higher trims and performance variants varying widely in cost.
These points illustrate how the Durango stacks up against the Explorer in terms of purpose, space, and performance, helping buyers determine which SUV best fits their needs.
Trims, features, and pricing snapshot
Durango trims and pricing evolve with model years, but the core message remains: the Durango covers a spectrum from practical family transport to rarified performance models. Potential buyers should check the latest local offerings and current incentives for the most accurate comparison with the Explorer’s trim levels and pricing.
- Trims span from entry-level to high-performance configurations, with a focus on flexible seating and engine options tailored to different use cases.
- All-wheel drive is commonly available, expanding capability for varying road conditions and weather.
- Infotainment and safety tech scale with trim level, including driver-assistance features and touchscreen interfaces typical of Dodge’s lineup.
- Price ranges reflect year, trim, and optional equipment, so exact figures vary by market and model year.
In practice, the Durango fills the same family-hauler role as the Explorer but with Dodge’s emphasis on performance and bold styling, which can influence buyer choice depending on priorities such as pace, branding, and equipment levels.
Summary
For readers seeking the Dodge equivalent to a Ford Explorer, the Dodge Durango is the direct answer. It’s a three-row, midsize SUV that offers a mix of practical utility and, in higher trims, serious performance. While both crossovers target family-focused buyers, the Durango distinguishes itself with its engine options and sportier heritage, making it a compelling alternative for those who want a Dodge-branded SUV in the same segment as the Explorer.
Is a Dodge Durango bigger than a Ford Escape?
The Durango provides more space and luxury features, making it better for larger families or those requiring extra cargo room. The Escape, on the other hand, is more suited for smaller families or individuals who value a more compact and city-friendly interior.
What is the Dodge equivalent to the Ford Explorer?
The Dodge Durango and the Ford Explorer provide the benefit of choice.
What car is comparable to a Ford Explorer?
Cars similar to the Ford Explorer are other mid-size to large, three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade. Other competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Volkswagen Atlas, and Ford Expedition.
Key competitors
- Toyota Highlander: A strong competitor known for on-road comfort and fuel efficiency, often compared to the Explorer.
- Honda Pilot: Another popular family SUV that is often cited as a direct alternative, with a strong emphasis on comfort and space.
- Kia Telluride: A popular and well-regarded rival that offers a compelling mix of features and style.
- Hyundai Palisade: Another strong competitor that is frequently grouped with the Telluride and Highlander as a top choice in the segment.
- Chevrolet Traverse: A direct rival that offers a spacious interior and robust performance.
- Volkswagen Atlas: Known for its large size and spacious interior, making it a good option for those who need maximum room.
- Ford Expedition: A larger, more heavy-duty option from Ford that is a step up in size from the Explorer.
- Mazda CX-9: A sporty alternative that competes in the same class as the Explorer.
- Nissan Pathfinder: Another established mid-size SUV that is comparable to the Explorer.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: A competitor with a focus on off-road capability in addition to its on-road presence.
- Dodge Durango: A performance-oriented SUV option that competes with the Explorer.
Is a Dodge Durango the same size as a Ford Expedition?
The Ford Expedition is significantly larger than the Dodge Durango in both overall dimensions and interior space. The Expedition offers more passenger seating, greater legroom, and more cargo capacity, particularly with all rear seats folded down. The Durango is a large crossover/mid-size SUV, while the Expedition is a full-size SUV.
This video provides a detailed overview of the Ford Expedition's exterior and interior features: 46sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Feb 12, 2025
| Feature | Ford Expedition | Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Full-size SUV | Mid-size Crossover SUV |
| Max Seating | 8 | 7 |
| Cargo Space (behind 3rd row) | 22.9 cubic feet | 17.2 cubic feet |
| Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) | 69.9 cubic feet | 43.3 cubic feet |
| Cargo Space (behind 1st row) | 108.5 cubic feet | 85.1 cubic feet |
| Legroom (3rd Row) | 36.5 inches | 33.5 inches |
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Key differences
- Overall Size: The Ford Expedition is a larger, full-size SUV, while the Dodge Durango is a mid-size crossover SUV. This difference is evident in the overall length, width, and wheelbase.
- Passenger Capacity: The Expedition can typically seat up to eight passengers, compared to the Durango's seven.
- Cargo Volume: The Expedition provides substantially more cargo space, both behind the third row and when the rear seats are folded down.
- Interior Space: The Expedition offers more legroom, especially for third-row passengers, and greater headroom, hip room, and shoulder room throughout the cabin.
